Primitive tent camping opportunities near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests span elevations from 5,000 to 12,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 85°F during day, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Most dispersed sites lack established facilities, requiring self-contained camping with bear-resistant food storage.
What to do
Fishing at Blue Mesa Reservoir: Located near Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch, visitors catch trout in Colorado's largest body of water. According to one camper: "Great location to access a ton of hiking, boating, etc. I took my mountain bike on a longer dirt road but not being used to 7,000 feet I was sucking air but got to some great views without having to drive anywhere."
Explore ghost towns: The road to Alta Lakes Campground passes historic mining structures. "The ghost town comes before the campground... The brothel is one of the only buildings still fully standing. You can't explore any of the buildings, at least not legally, but you can see them and experience what used to be."
Paddle remote canyons: Bring inflatable watercraft to access secluded areas. One visitor at Curecanti Creek reported: "I recommend bringing some type of boat/raft/floatie so that you can explore the canyon. We hauled down an inflatable paddle board and paddled to Chipeta Falls which is just east of the campsite on the river. Although the water is cold, it is calm and easy to paddle or swim in."
What campers like
Solitude at higher elevations: Many tent sites require effort to access but reward with privacy. A camper at Black Canyon noted: "Easy to find BLM land with decent roads and lots of spots. I stayed here 3 days and never saw or heard another person. It's only 5 miles from the North Rim of Black Canyon National Park."
Star visibility: The region's limited light pollution creates exceptional night skies. A visitor to 4R Freedom Ranch shared: "Susan's place is quiet and beautiful. There are canvas tents with cots and wood stoves for the colder months. The stars are beyond compare and if you're a birder like me, you will have a magical time."
Accessible swimming spots: Several campgrounds provide water recreation. One family staying at Curecanti Creek described: "This campground is alongside the Gunnison River in a canyon; it is beautiful and perfect for SUPing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. This is a free campsite and is not reservable, so come claim your spot early in the day/weekend."
What you should know
Road conditions can change quickly: Many campsites require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor to Alta Lakes reported: "The road to Alta can get rough after heavy rain and at the end of the season. Usually seems like at least half of the sites are occupied."
Seasonal closures: Several sites have limited accessibility. A recent visitor warned: "This site was easy to find and not too far from the main road but very quiet. Note: signs say no camping 12/1-7/15." Always check current status before departing.
Elevation challenges: The high altitude affects many visitors. At Hermits Rest Boat-in Campsite, one camper explained: "Since you have to hike 3 miles, descending 1800 feet into the canyon, there weren't many people at the campsite. A few day hikers passed through, but there was only one couple camping in addition to our group of 4."
Tips for camping with families
Choose age-appropriate access routes: Many tent sites involve challenging terrain. At Alta Lakes, one parent advised: "There are a number of campsites surrounding Alta Lakes and there are also other lakes nearby. Gold King Basin is a popular alternative to the most trafficked Alta Lakes, although it can see more wind than Alta."
Plan for temperature swings: Higher elevations experience significant day-night temperature differences. A family at 4R Freedom Ranch reported: "There are canvas tents with cots and wood stoves for the colder months. There is a solar/generator powered shower house with a flush toilet that you can walk a little ways to, otherwise the toilets are compost."
Consider early arrival times: Popular dispersed sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. One camper at Alta Lakes noted: "This campsite fills up quite quickly. We arrived relatively early, but were unable to find a site and it was just as well because we would have been hard pressed to find level ground for our overland tents without putting blocks on the ground."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations affect site selection: Many of the best tent camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests have vehicle restrictions. A reviewer at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch mentioned: "I stayed in the upper section and had no problem getting a reservation, even on busier weekends. The dig is that you will be backed up and beside other campers. By this, I mean their rigs will be within 20 feet of you."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unreliable throughout the region. An RVer at Blue Mesa noted: "The only thing I have against Thousand Trails Blue Mesa is the lack of internet. To have internet, you must have Starlink or a satellite dish. The campground's internet service is next to nothing, unless you're inside one of their office buildings."
